Opel Corsa Issue

tvercetti

We have a 1999 Opel Corsa with a 1 litre engine. Every so often after driving it for a while and stopping, the car won't restart. It turns over but won't start.

This happened on a few occasions and every time the mechanic thinks he has sorted it, it happens again. So far he has changed a relay, fuel filter and fuel pump and it has happened a couple of times since.

We contacted the previous owner and she had it happen her a few times too. She tried 2 different mechanics and it still happens. Shame she failed to fill us in before we bought it off her.

So after 3 qualified mechanics, we are still likely to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Has anyone encountered something similar or have any idea of the issue??

puzzle factory

COILPACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

swhyte027

I've done a couple of opels in my younger days.i can bet its a bad crankshaft sensor and it doesn't always show up on diagnostics stop waisting money and get a crank shaft sensor for 50e fit it and be done with it

flyingsnail

I used to own a 99 1L corsa and I am going to second the crankshaft sensor. It will start out just as you have described, the car will not start when the engine is warm. It will slowly get worse until it will stop while you are driving. I think I paid about 80 to have it done on mine but that included diagnostics, parts and labour.

tvercetti

I have a crashed Corsa too, so would it be okay to try the crankshaft sensor from that before buying a new one.

Nissan doctor

puzzle factory wrote: »

COILPACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A failed coilpack won't stop a car from starting, just cause a misfire when it does.

I'd have to say that crank sensor is very possible but what have the mechanics done to it do date?

If your other corsa has exactly the same engine or even the 1.2 16v then you can swap the sensors.

swhyte027

Yes your other corsa crank shaft sensor will do.but for the sake of a the couple of quid id buy the new in.and that's just good advice for you.second sensor is a big no no in the trade,well in my book anyway.

No harm in trying it to see does it solve the problem though.

tvercetti

swhyte027 wrote: »

I've done a couple of opels in my younger days.i can bet its a bad crankshaft sensor and it doesn't always show up on diagnostics stop waisting money and get a crank shaft sensor for 50e fit it and be done with it

I had a look under the car and the crank shaft sensor appeared pretty new so I rang the mechanic and he said it was the first thing he changed when he got it so looks likes thats not the issue.

Nissan doctor

tvercetti wrote: »

I had a look under the car and the crank shaft sensor appeared pretty new so I rang the mechanic and he said it was the first thing he changed when he got it so looks likes thats not the issue.

Has he done any proper diagnosis on it?

swhyte027

Ya it doesn't sound like he has done a proper diagnostic test on it was why would he change all them things the only other thing that will cause it to turn over and not start is a Imobilizer problem which I've also came across on a good few times.it sounds like the chip in the key could be your problem.iv seen cases on Astras and Tigras and corsa where sometimes it like the key losses his memory.i have a program that will re code it.its not expensive but if not its a trip to the main dealers and that might be costly.either way I reckon if the sensor has being changed I'd be looking at Imobilizer problem which is intermittent

crosshair1

swhyte027 wrote: »

i have a program that will re code it

You cant recode oem keys on these.
You can only match the transponder to the immo using the carpass pin.
This will be the solid key not the horseshoe with remote.

OP if you could check that there isnt 2 o rings on the crankshaft sensor.

swhyte027

Will I still think its the crank sensor as I tought from the start.well that's what I ment was to match the key.

tvercetti

swhyte027 wrote: »

Ya it doesn't sound like he has done a proper diagnostic

The previous owner had the car at the Opel garage and they could find anything with diagnostics, my own mechanic also did diagnostics but not sure if he did "proper diagnostic". When that was clear he put in a new crank shaft sensor because its a known problem, he felt the fuel filter was gone too so he removed the pump and tested it and felt it needed replacing also.

crosshair1 wrote: »

You cant recode oem keys on these.
You can only match the transponder to the immo using the carpass pin.
This will be the solid key not the horseshoe with remote.

OP if you could check that there isnt 2 o rings on the crankshaft sensor.

I will have a look for the rings tomorrow, I presume there should be just the one o-ring??

swhyte027 wrote: »

Will I still think its the crank sensor

Considering we just put in a new one, I'm not sure what else we could do

tvercetti

Car wouldn't start again today so manually reprogrammed the key, this involved turning the key till the lights came on and pressing the keyfob button and something to do with the central locking (read about this issue online and gave it a try), I am not sure of all the details but relates to the immobiliser. The car started which could have been a coincidence.